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Brawlers #1
Crave
(This is a previously-published edition of ASIN B06XJQCZW9.)
Welcome to Brawlers Bar…
A quick pit stop for a comfortable bed to sleep turned into an eight-year stay. Vincent “Crave” Butler hit the road the day after college graduation and hadn’t looked behind him since. He’d swore to never stop moving, but the night he drove into Powers, Georgia changed the course of his life. He’d hit a bar called Brawlers with its rundown exterior and pride flag beside the door, the next day he had a job. Second in command to the Head of Brawler security, Crave found the place he didn’t have to run from. No one would call Crave sane. He lived to make people as uncomfortable as possible just for his own twisted amusement. That all changed when a certain cute as fuck bartender walked in for an interview.
No one wanted Twitch Harrison around. He was small, femme and annoying on his best days, downright abhorrent on his bad ones. When college turned out to be a no-go, and the parents canceled his credit cards he’d needed a job. Walking into Brawlers, the roughest gay bar in his hometown, was like a game of pick the thing that didn’t belong—him. The two owners, Scary and Tank, hired him on and four years later he was still that thing that didn’t belong. No one made it more apparent than bouncer Crave Butler who didn’t hide the fact he barely tolerated Twitch’s presence.
Crave threatened every man who thought they’d get the pretty Twitch but would Twitch rather be in their beds than his? Only one way to find out and he hoped Twitch was ready for forever because that’s what Crave was determined to have.
Welcome to Brawlers Bar…
A quick pit stop for a comfortable bed to sleep turned into an eight-year stay. Vincent “Crave” Butler hit the road the day after college graduation and hadn’t looked behind him since. He’d swore to never stop moving, but the night he drove into Powers, Georgia changed the course of his life. He’d hit a bar called Brawlers with its rundown exterior and pride flag beside the door, the next day he had a job. Second in command to the Head of Brawler security, Crave found the place he didn’t have to run from. No one would call Crave sane. He lived to make people as uncomfortable as possible just for his own twisted amusement. That all changed when a certain cute as fuck bartender walked in for an interview.
No one wanted Twitch Harrison around. He was small, femme and annoying on his best days, downright abhorrent on his bad ones. When college turned out to be a no-go, and the parents canceled his credit cards he’d needed a job. Walking into Brawlers, the roughest gay bar in his hometown, was like a game of pick the thing that didn’t belong—him. The two owners, Scary and Tank, hired him on and four years later he was still that thing that didn’t belong. No one made it more apparent than bouncer Crave Butler who didn’t hide the fact he barely tolerated Twitch’s presence.
Crave threatened every man who thought they’d get the pretty Twitch but would Twitch rather be in their beds than his? Only one way to find out and he hoped Twitch was ready for forever because that’s what Crave was determined to have.
129 pages, ebook
First published March 21, 2017
79 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dabney
59 books640 followersUSA Today Bestselling author J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre published writer of Body and Fat Positive Romance & Fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of diverse characters in their head. They live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure everyone gets the happily ever after they deserve. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be beautiful.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
November 9, 2018
**3.5 Stars**
I didn't like this one as much as some of the others but I still enjoyed it and look forward to more.
There was just something missing in this one that the others had. Part of it could be it takes so long for them to be together in THIS book even though they've danced around each other for 4 years. And then all of a sudden Twitch is cured and it's practically over. I just didn't quite feel the connection I have with others. But, it was still enjoyable and I'll preorder all the others like I did this one because I love this dysfunctional family and I can't wait to see more of them. I can't wait for Bull's book.
I didn't like this one as much as some of the others but I still enjoyed it and look forward to more.
There was just something missing in this one that the others had. Part of it could be it takes so long for them to be together in THIS book even though they've danced around each other for 4 years. And then all of a sudden Twitch is cured and it's practically over. I just didn't quite feel the connection I have with others. But, it was still enjoyable and I'll preorder all the others like I did this one because I love this dysfunctional family and I can't wait to see more of them. I can't wait for Bull's book.
March 1, 2022
Considering my love of all things "twinks", I read the description for this novella by a new-to-me author and I was hooked. When the beginning of this story is a bar fight, I discover some of the other bouncers names, i.e. Psycho, Bull, Tank, and Scary, and then the author gives me this:"Crave lived with a constant inappropriate comment fighting to get free from his mouth." I was pretty much a goner and didn't even know it. And once I met Twitch I was sunk. Turned out I was in for a real treat because there was definitely more depth here than I expected.
Twitch grew up in an unemotional household where the Bible, money, and image ruled all. The first time he was sent to conversion therapy he was twelve, and the first time he tried to kill himself he was fourteen. He works at Brawlers and lives with all the other guys at Bull's house (or Brawler's Farm), but he's never shown them anything more than his "put on" personality. The guys, and Crave, have no idea Twitch just stopped cutting six months ago, or that once a week he sneaks out to his best friends’ house to sleep sandwiched between them just to feel safe and keep his anxiety at bay.
Crave has been going crazier for the past four years and it's all Twitch's fault. Crave has just as many childhood issues as Twitch, except in a different way. Crave's dad was an abusive pig who took it out on his mom until Crave was big enough to take the beatings. Crave is terrified that anyone he cares for he would ultimately end up hurting which is why he's afraid of touching Twitch. Once these two guys actually talk and lay out all of their worries and fears, it becomes better, but they still have to try to see if they can make something they've considered unattainable work.
When I said there was more to this book than I expected, I was so right. Crave was amazingly, and shockingly, sweet in his romancing of Twitch. Because of his upbringing and his parents, Twitch is scared of sex and is convinced he'll never have that with anyone. Watching Crave be so patient (which isn't his strong suit) had me completely falling for the big lug. These two were so tender together I had more than one "awww" moment.
I enjoyed this so much I had to add the next three in the series to my to be read file. When they release, that is. I loved the family the Brawler guys have made along with the Twirled Ink guys, who have their own series, too. Hmm. A really wonderful beginning to a series I have good expectations for.
Twitch grew up in an unemotional household where the Bible, money, and image ruled all. The first time he was sent to conversion therapy he was twelve, and the first time he tried to kill himself he was fourteen. He works at Brawlers and lives with all the other guys at Bull's house (or Brawler's Farm), but he's never shown them anything more than his "put on" personality. The guys, and Crave, have no idea Twitch just stopped cutting six months ago, or that once a week he sneaks out to his best friends’ house to sleep sandwiched between them just to feel safe and keep his anxiety at bay.
Crave has been going crazier for the past four years and it's all Twitch's fault. Crave has just as many childhood issues as Twitch, except in a different way. Crave's dad was an abusive pig who took it out on his mom until Crave was big enough to take the beatings. Crave is terrified that anyone he cares for he would ultimately end up hurting which is why he's afraid of touching Twitch. Once these two guys actually talk and lay out all of their worries and fears, it becomes better, but they still have to try to see if they can make something they've considered unattainable work.
When I said there was more to this book than I expected, I was so right. Crave was amazingly, and shockingly, sweet in his romancing of Twitch. Because of his upbringing and his parents, Twitch is scared of sex and is convinced he'll never have that with anyone. Watching Crave be so patient (which isn't his strong suit) had me completely falling for the big lug. These two were so tender together I had more than one "awww" moment.
I enjoyed this so much I had to add the next three in the series to my to be read file. When they release, that is. I loved the family the Brawler guys have made along with the Twirled Ink guys, who have their own series, too. Hmm. A really wonderful beginning to a series I have good expectations for.
March 29, 2017
2.8 Stars
I wanted to rate this higher because I liked the idea of this story; unfortunately the execution left much to be desired. Still, the characters were mostly likable & the romance a bit adorable and because of that I was able to soldier on through the editing errors.
There were a ton of side characters in this book and I didn't realize when I started it that it was the first installment of a spin-off series...which I probably should have read before starting this one. So, despite how much the editing felt like nails on a chalkboard I will be putting it on the re-read shelf to tackle again once I've taken a look at that first series. If it's edited like this one it'll come right off, though. I'm not a masochist.
I wanted to rate this higher because I liked the idea of this story; unfortunately the execution left much to be desired. Still, the characters were mostly likable & the romance a bit adorable and because of that I was able to soldier on through the editing errors.
There were a ton of side characters in this book and I didn't realize when I started it that it was the first installment of a spin-off series...which I probably should have read before starting this one. So, despite how much the editing felt like nails on a chalkboard I will be putting it on the re-read shelf to tackle again once I've taken a look at that first series. If it's edited like this one it'll come right off, though. I'm not a masochist.
April 7, 2018
3.5 stars
When I came across this book, I do not know that this is a spin-off series. There's a lot of other characters from another series. But I kept reading it because I'm that curious. I just thought I should give this a try because I have a penchant for crazy jealous man. I know this book from this list https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1....
These men are so OTT. But I get used to it somehow. I liked how Crave was so crazy with Twitch. I liked the slow burn, the chemistry between them. I liked it. I think I would have to read Twirled series first to get to know the other characters better.
When I came across this book, I do not know that this is a spin-off series. There's a lot of other characters from another series. But I kept reading it because I'm that curious. I just thought I should give this a try because I have a penchant for crazy jealous man. I know this book from this list https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1....
These men are so OTT. But I get used to it somehow. I liked how Crave was so crazy with Twitch. I liked the slow burn, the chemistry between them. I liked it. I think I would have to read Twirled series first to get to know the other characters better.
April 2, 2018
Heavier in tone but still fun to read. Twitch grew up with religious fanatic parents and spent time in conversion camps. He suffers from anxiety and related issues, including a fear of intimacy.
Crave? Crave is big and mean and can’t show his true feelings, other than anger. He grew up in a home where his mother was horribly abused by the man of the house.
These two disconnects manage to come together after a long, slow, satisfying build-up.
The woman can write steam, whoosh very hot!
4.5 stars
I did not find as many editing issues as I did in Bull. A plus.
Crave? Crave is big and mean and can’t show his true feelings, other than anger. He grew up in a home where his mother was horribly abused by the man of the house.
These two disconnects manage to come together after a long, slow, satisfying build-up.
The woman can write steam, whoosh very hot!
4.5 stars
I did not find as many editing issues as I did in Bull. A plus.
July 3, 2018
The reason I like story works for me is because I like Twitch so much.
He is a care taker with his own pile of stuff to deal with. Crave has anger management issue and over the top in every way.
So, this isn't a reasonable romance and I would run and grab my friend so fast if Crave came anywhere near my friend but in the warped realty of this high color wack a doodle series, I just let that go.
Twitch wants him so okay.
He is a care taker with his own pile of stuff to deal with. Crave has anger management issue and over the top in every way.
So, this isn't a reasonable romance and I would run and grab my friend so fast if Crave came anywhere near my friend but in the warped realty of this high color wack a doodle series, I just let that go.
Twitch wants him so okay.
April 23, 2017
Ok, so, I, like so many others, wasn't aware that this was a spin-off from another series.
Therefore, I was confused as crap trying to figure out who everyone was and why the author was talking like I should know them... I didn't and it annoyed me....stop saying that this can be read as a standalone.... it shouldn't be!
In saying that, another thing that annoyed me was the overuse of ones name... Crave said Crave was going to do something to Twitch. Crave didn't know what Crave was doing.... Seriously....
And what's up with the lack of question marks? Questions, are supposed to end with a question mark... that really tripped me up.
Other than that... I loved these two together, Crave, of course was so over the top, but it worked for him in a way that I'd imagine that it works with all these guys. I'm excited to read Psycho's story but I really feel like I need to go back to the beginning and start from there, because I want to see how everyone got together.
I really felt for Twitch, the abuse that he endured for so long... being ashamed of being who you are would be terrible, especially if your family made you feel worse about it and tried to "fix" you. Sigh... my heart broke for him, I was glad he and Crave gave in and stopped beating around the bush.
Overall, it was a good read and I loved these two together.
4 stars for me.
Therefore, I was confused as crap trying to figure out who everyone was and why the author was talking like I should know them... I didn't and it annoyed me....stop saying that this can be read as a standalone.... it shouldn't be!
In saying that, another thing that annoyed me was the overuse of ones name... Crave said Crave was going to do something to Twitch. Crave didn't know what Crave was doing.... Seriously....
And what's up with the lack of question marks? Questions, are supposed to end with a question mark... that really tripped me up.
Other than that... I loved these two together, Crave, of course was so over the top, but it worked for him in a way that I'd imagine that it works with all these guys. I'm excited to read Psycho's story but I really feel like I need to go back to the beginning and start from there, because I want to see how everyone got together.
I really felt for Twitch, the abuse that he endured for so long... being ashamed of being who you are would be terrible, especially if your family made you feel worse about it and tried to "fix" you. Sigh... my heart broke for him, I was glad he and Crave gave in and stopped beating around the bush.
Overall, it was a good read and I loved these two together.
4 stars for me.
March 22, 2017
I actually like the prior series and the idea of this spin off. The Characters are very engaging even if they are a little too much...everything.
This particular entry had so much potential but fell flat for me. I was looking forward to Crave's story and Twitch was probably a great match for him, but the time frame and abuse attributed to Twitch (every one of these guys has a terrible abuse story of some kind, usually) is wrapped up way, way to quickly. After 3 or 4 years of yearning and no real contact (seriously, no physical contact at all) or relationship building, the quick relationship and super unlikely overcoming of serious hang ups and mental abuse was simply unbelievable. Whatever the reason for the behavioral change camps/therapy, torture, it sorta mocks the hard work it takes to overcome the serious brainwashing Twitch has been programmed to believe so easily/magically. Based on all the physical, mental and emotional problems Twitch has endured and physical solutions he used, this book probably needed to be at least twice as long as it was. The author should dial back the trauma to more superficial issues or research and do right by the abused characters.
Additionally, it really, really pushes all of my buttons in the worst way to buy books that are so poorly edited. It's a credit to the series that I continue to do so even though the author has no demonstrable pride in what is put out at this point. It's one thing to have a poorly edited first book, I suppose, but once you find an audience and some self confidence, for real, find an effen editor and stop relying on yourself and your friends/family/fans/? to help find the "typos" a few minutes before you upload for sale. A well edited book is so much more than that.
If you want to upgrade your books from amateur to professional and want the services of a good editor, I know a few.
This particular entry had so much potential but fell flat for me. I was looking forward to Crave's story and Twitch was probably a great match for him, but the time frame and abuse attributed to Twitch (every one of these guys has a terrible abuse story of some kind, usually) is wrapped up way, way to quickly. After 3 or 4 years of yearning and no real contact (seriously, no physical contact at all) or relationship building, the quick relationship and super unlikely overcoming of serious hang ups and mental abuse was simply unbelievable. Whatever the reason for the behavioral change camps/therapy, torture, it sorta mocks the hard work it takes to overcome the serious brainwashing Twitch has been programmed to believe so easily/magically. Based on all the physical, mental and emotional problems Twitch has endured and physical solutions he used, this book probably needed to be at least twice as long as it was. The author should dial back the trauma to more superficial issues or research and do right by the abused characters.
Additionally, it really, really pushes all of my buttons in the worst way to buy books that are so poorly edited. It's a credit to the series that I continue to do so even though the author has no demonstrable pride in what is put out at this point. It's one thing to have a poorly edited first book, I suppose, but once you find an audience and some self confidence, for real, find an effen editor and stop relying on yourself and your friends/family/fans/? to help find the "typos" a few minutes before you upload for sale. A well edited book is so much more than that.
If you want to upgrade your books from amateur to professional and want the services of a good editor, I know a few.
May 19, 2017
DNF at 42%. I hate, and I mean REALLY hate the writing. Its not serial shifter bad (insultingly simplistic, rushed) but it's awful in its own way. So choppy and confusing, poor punctuation and word arrangements and what feels like very monotone deliveries. I need to know the moods and feelings of my characters when they talk to each other, not dialog for the sake of dialog. Oh, and why does Everyone Single Person have a nickname?!? Have fun with that-confused the heck outta me a couple of times. There are too many good books out there for me to force myself to read a book that pisses me off. Everyone else seems to like it tho so I guess it's just me...
April 5, 2017
This is the first book that's ever made me ignore the constant grammatical errors and absolutely love the story and character, regardless. And, that--seeing as I'm a stickler for grammar since my eyes pick out mistakes without my permission--says a lot. But, now, I totally want to go read all of the other characters' stories! I loved the possessiveness, the roughness, and the gentle determination to make it work, with each character forcing themselves to make it work because they wanted it so much.
Beauty and joy.
Beauty and joy.
September 30, 2017
I think my favourite so far. Crave is great
but I was a bit disappointed that the crew did not really have faith in him
it seems that the Twirler crew is tighter than the Brawlers
but I was a bit disappointed that the crew did not really have faith in him
it seems that the Twirler crew is tighter than the Brawlers
January 9, 2018
I didn't like this one as much as some of the others. The writing wasn't as good, and I didn't like the way their relationship started and developed. I still enjoyed it but believe others in the series are better.
December 10, 2018
2.5 Stars!
June 8, 2017
An enjoyable read. Crave the amped up bouncer was in love with Twitch the twink bartender. He was possessive, rough and all things Alpha which really scared the shit out of Twitch. Twitch was secretly in love with Crave but couldn't reconcile that. He'd never been kissed and after growing up in such a repressed household he didn't know what or how to feel. As Crave slowly broke through the barriers the romance began. While it took a long time to get to that point there were lots of interactions with other characters that clearly have their own books ... I enjoyed this but didn't love it 😎
January 18, 2020
Sadly the first sexscene was so unrealistic rushed through, it was completely out of character, otherwise it would be 4.5 to 5.
March 29, 2017
Unfortunately this one was not as good as the others. The story went slow, a little too slow. Crave treating Twitch like he was made of glass and then all of a sudden everything changes. All Twisted's hang ups are just forgotten and things move at warped speed and all is fine and it ends.
July 20, 2018
DNF @ 76%. I actually thought of dropping this after the first chapter and then again at the mid-way point and eventually dropped it just past the 3/4 mark. Wish I had gone with my gut on this one.
First off, I didn't read the other series that this series is a spinoff of, not realizing that it is indeed a spinoff. While there is a disclaiming at the beginning that while this is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, I feel like you probably really should read the previous series, because there are a lot of characters who I knew zip about. Not to mention, they all have crazy nicknames and I thought What's with these stupid nicknames, are they bikers or something? and yes, they are bikers.
Secondly, this book is is desperate need of punctuation. There are commas where they shouldn't and missing from where they should. A lot of questions are missing the '?' which at first I thought might have been intentional, as though Crave voiced questions as statements, but then I realized there was no consistency with that, so obviously poor editing. There are other grammatical and spelling issues littered throughout.
Thirdly, this was really frustrating. Crave is in his 30s(?) and is all frustrating that Twitch isn't his but apparently it's been 4 years of their acquaintance at this point and Crave has done SFA to show that he is totally in love with Twitch... in fact, he barely even looks at him, and when he does, he glares. I didn't realize I was reading about a pre-schooler crushing on someone while stuck in the body of a fully grown man.
And the final straw was the sex scene. I don't know if there are sex scene(s), as I wasn't sticking around to fine out. You have Twitch, who was raised to believe sex is bad & sinful and doesn't even masturbate. And then he and Crave kiss (as friends). Prior to this, they had hugged a few times and were working their way up to casual touches.... sorry, but I'm not going to hug someone before casually touching them. But, anyway... on to the sex scene. Twitch and Crave have kiss once up to this point. Neither has confessed their feelings. They kiss, they frot, Crave sucks Twitch off and then they have anal sex. Twitch still doesn't masturbate at this point. But I guess he just randomly got over feeling bad about sex enough to engage in anal sex with a man who he has a crush on but doesn't know if he feels the same. Sorry, not buying it. And if it was because of the power of love, then screw that.
So, I'm done with this series and I won't be reading however many series there are that this one was spun off of. The end.
First off, I didn't read the other series that this series is a spinoff of, not realizing that it is indeed a spinoff. While there is a disclaiming at the beginning that while this is a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, I feel like you probably really should read the previous series, because there are a lot of characters who I knew zip about. Not to mention, they all have crazy nicknames and I thought What's with these stupid nicknames, are they bikers or something? and yes, they are bikers.
Secondly, this book is is desperate need of punctuation. There are commas where they shouldn't and missing from where they should. A lot of questions are missing the '?' which at first I thought might have been intentional, as though Crave voiced questions as statements, but then I realized there was no consistency with that, so obviously poor editing. There are other grammatical and spelling issues littered throughout.
Thirdly, this was really frustrating. Crave is in his 30s(?) and is all frustrating that Twitch isn't his but apparently it's been 4 years of their acquaintance at this point and Crave has done SFA to show that he is totally in love with Twitch... in fact, he barely even looks at him, and when he does, he glares. I didn't realize I was reading about a pre-schooler crushing on someone while stuck in the body of a fully grown man.
And the final straw was the sex scene. I don't know if there are sex scene(s), as I wasn't sticking around to fine out. You have Twitch, who was raised to believe sex is bad & sinful and doesn't even masturbate. And then he and Crave kiss (as friends). Prior to this, they had hugged a few times and were working their way up to casual touches.... sorry, but I'm not going to hug someone before casually touching them. But, anyway... on to the sex scene. Twitch and Crave have kiss once up to this point. Neither has confessed their feelings. They kiss, they frot, Crave sucks Twitch off and then they have anal sex. Twitch still doesn't masturbate at this point. But I guess he just randomly got over feeling bad about sex enough to engage in anal sex with a man who he has a crush on but doesn't know if he feels the same. Sorry, not buying it. And if it was because of the power of love, then screw that.
So, I'm done with this series and I won't be reading however many series there are that this one was spun off of. The end.
December 30, 2023
2nd read 9-2019
I liked this better the 2nd time around.
1st read 8-19-2017
I liked this better the 2nd time around.
1st read 8-19-2017
October 5, 2019
This one was a hard one. If you have been keeping up with the guys, you know a lot of them have some very bad pasts. Twitch and Crave are no different. I will warm you know, this deals with physical abuse, conversion therapy, cutting, attempted suicide and such because of parents. It's another one of those books, I wish I could reach through and beat the shit out of someone and wished Bull and Psycho actually did. But for Twitch, they behaved.
Twitch gave up on ever having a boyfriend or sex life. From the time he announced he was gay, his parents had him in conversion therapy, where he was beaten, electrocuted and much more. To the point he had to cut to alleviate pressure and anxiety. But Lucky and Priest adopted him, more or less along with everyone else, and he would rest in their arms and sleep, finally getting peace for the week. The bad part is, he didn't see how bad it was messing Crave up. Or he did but didn't understand why. He didn't think Crave wanted him. Crave never touched him. And always got pissed when everyone else did. He didn't get it. And the more time wore on, the madder Crave seemed to get until he was messing everything up. To the point, he made Twitch run and Bull almost kicked him off the farm. He wanted to fix it but didn't know how. So, he finally called and explained why he is the way he is and what his greatest fears are. He knew a bit of what Twitch was dealing with when he accidentally saw the scars. But when he finally heard the full story of Twitch's past, kicking someone's ass was a nice way of putting things. But because of their own fears and Crave almost accidentally hitting Twitch in a brawl on night, they both are on edge at times. And Twitch is tired of it. And Crave is trying to find a way to make sure this beautiful man knows how beautiful he really is and how Crave wants to be his forever. If only his mouth had a filter.
These series are some of the best I've ever read but I'm telling you, I can't read them without tissues. Ever. The pasts of these two boys nearly did me in. I've told more than I should have already. You need to read to find out more about it, but be ready. It's heartbreaking. I think what broke me even more was how much Crave wanted to be the man Twitch needed but he was so scared of himself. He never wanted to hurt Twitch in any way, shape or form. He'd run or hurt himself first. But what made me so happy, was after all Twitch had endured, Crave was the first person he felt desire enough to be with. He wanted this man, to be with him in every way. And that's huge. A very huge deal.
The funny part about all of this, is because Twitch is tied up with Crave, Psycho is upset at not getting his regular cooked meals and pouts and Bull keeps barging in the bedroom during orgasms because Twitch screams so much and loud. I laughed so hard I nearly peed myself.
I love these books. These series. They are so amazing and I'm having so much fun with them. I love all these guys so much, it's ridiculous.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Twitch gave up on ever having a boyfriend or sex life. From the time he announced he was gay, his parents had him in conversion therapy, where he was beaten, electrocuted and much more. To the point he had to cut to alleviate pressure and anxiety. But Lucky and Priest adopted him, more or less along with everyone else, and he would rest in their arms and sleep, finally getting peace for the week. The bad part is, he didn't see how bad it was messing Crave up. Or he did but didn't understand why. He didn't think Crave wanted him. Crave never touched him. And always got pissed when everyone else did. He didn't get it. And the more time wore on, the madder Crave seemed to get until he was messing everything up. To the point, he made Twitch run and Bull almost kicked him off the farm. He wanted to fix it but didn't know how. So, he finally called and explained why he is the way he is and what his greatest fears are. He knew a bit of what Twitch was dealing with when he accidentally saw the scars. But when he finally heard the full story of Twitch's past, kicking someone's ass was a nice way of putting things. But because of their own fears and Crave almost accidentally hitting Twitch in a brawl on night, they both are on edge at times. And Twitch is tired of it. And Crave is trying to find a way to make sure this beautiful man knows how beautiful he really is and how Crave wants to be his forever. If only his mouth had a filter.
These series are some of the best I've ever read but I'm telling you, I can't read them without tissues. Ever. The pasts of these two boys nearly did me in. I've told more than I should have already. You need to read to find out more about it, but be ready. It's heartbreaking. I think what broke me even more was how much Crave wanted to be the man Twitch needed but he was so scared of himself. He never wanted to hurt Twitch in any way, shape or form. He'd run or hurt himself first. But what made me so happy, was after all Twitch had endured, Crave was the first person he felt desire enough to be with. He wanted this man, to be with him in every way. And that's huge. A very huge deal.
The funny part about all of this, is because Twitch is tied up with Crave, Psycho is upset at not getting his regular cooked meals and pouts and Bull keeps barging in the bedroom during orgasms because Twitch screams so much and loud. I laughed so hard I nearly peed myself.
I love these books. These series. They are so amazing and I'm having so much fun with them. I love all these guys so much, it's ridiculous.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
March 26, 2017
If you read JM Dabney’s Twirled World Ink series you are aware of the Brawlers. Well Crave opens this series. Him and Twitch! Yeah, if you read the other books you know Twitch too. And he is just as awesome as you hope he will be!
I want to say you don’t need to read the Twirled World Ink series to read this book. It’s totally a standalone and you will not be confused. But, you want to read the other series because it’s awesome.
Crave and Twitch are mentally shattered. They see only the flaws in themselves. But when they look at each other they see the other’s beauty. Isn’t that what true love is? Crave of course handles himself in the worst way he possibly can. For Twitch, he needs to calm down. Crave lives his life so afraid of becoming something or I should say someone that he doesn’t even realize his own amazing worth.
Twitch is a caffeine firecracker of amazing. I want to hang out with him because he makes me laugh, he loves hugs, he’s beautiful inside and out, and he needs love. These are like the best things ever!
Watching these two navigate whatever it is they are, was something else. They have a lot of ups and downs, but the author gets them to act like adults and shake off their insecurities. They are masterful together and this book is an awesome way to start this series!
I want to say you don’t need to read the Twirled World Ink series to read this book. It’s totally a standalone and you will not be confused. But, you want to read the other series because it’s awesome.
Crave and Twitch are mentally shattered. They see only the flaws in themselves. But when they look at each other they see the other’s beauty. Isn’t that what true love is? Crave of course handles himself in the worst way he possibly can. For Twitch, he needs to calm down. Crave lives his life so afraid of becoming something or I should say someone that he doesn’t even realize his own amazing worth.
Twitch is a caffeine firecracker of amazing. I want to hang out with him because he makes me laugh, he loves hugs, he’s beautiful inside and out, and he needs love. These are like the best things ever!
Watching these two navigate whatever it is they are, was something else. They have a lot of ups and downs, but the author gets them to act like adults and shake off their insecurities. They are masterful together and this book is an awesome way to start this series!
November 18, 2019
I won't lie, I was a little lost. I didn't realize that this was a spin-off series so I didn't know many of the characters. Crave was gruff and flew off the handle quite easily. Crave and Twitch were dealing with traumatic childhoods and both thought they weren't good enough for each other.
This book is in need of editing.
This book is in need of editing.
April 20, 2017
I kind of wavered here.... more of a 3.5 stars than the 3 I gave it but decided to round down because of the ending. I thought the end was a little rushed with all the build up and kind of annoying with the I love you but I can't mentality. I would have rather seen real conflict than all the internal angst.
Happy Reading Lynz
Happy Reading Lynz
March 21, 2017
Was not disappointed!!!! Loved this book!!!!
Loved it!!! I've been counting the days waiting for this release and was not disappointed at all. You feel connected to the characters, feel their pain and what they have tried to hide. I love that characters from previous books have made appearances yet the focus was on Crave and Twitch. Feel like I'm fan-girlings for my excitement for this book and ones to follow. I love how the author haw woven in harsh issues with the main characters overcoming them and shedding light on the pain they have caused.
Loved it!!! I've been counting the days waiting for this release and was not disappointed at all. You feel connected to the characters, feel their pain and what they have tried to hide. I love that characters from previous books have made appearances yet the focus was on Crave and Twitch. Feel like I'm fan-girlings for my excitement for this book and ones to follow. I love how the author haw woven in harsh issues with the main characters overcoming them and shedding light on the pain they have caused.
April 11, 2017
3.5 stars
The story flowed a little slowly but was interesting. Crave and Twitch are an interesting matchup but more interesting in seeing how Psycho gets a guy o_O .lol
The story flowed a little slowly but was interesting. Crave and Twitch are an interesting matchup but more interesting in seeing how Psycho gets a guy o_O .lol
June 27, 2017
The stars are for the story in and of itself; it actually wasn't all that bad and entertaining enough.
The editing, however, was lousy right from the beginning.
Reading isn't so much fun when you need to guess with every other sentence what it's supposed to say, or whether a character is asking a question or stating someting with any given line of dialogue.
The editing, however, was lousy right from the beginning.
Reading isn't so much fun when you need to guess with every other sentence what it's supposed to say, or whether a character is asking a question or stating someting with any given line of dialogue.
September 1, 2019
I couldn’t finish this one. I really think it has to do with the lack of define characters. The two main ones this story revolves around are boring. The fact that he puts the self cutting in ;should lend some empathy. It doesn’t though... crave is vapid...I think the other turn off was the guy liner and lip gloss . Sorry just not my cup of tea. I don’t think I read anything else by this author...
April 10, 2017
love this series
March 21, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
Brawlers is a kind of spin off of this authors Twirled World Ink series which I read and reviewed recently. Although it’s not absolutely necessary to have read that series first I would recommend that you do as the characters and their lives are all entwined and they have built their own crazy, protective and very badass family. There is never a dull moment at Brawlers Bar – the customers are as crazy as the staff and it’s not often a night goes by without someone throwing punch and all hell breaking loose.
When Crave left home he was driven by a need to never stop running – this worked well for him until he stopped one day at Brawlers Bar and got offered a job. That was the first thing that changed the course of his life. Crave’s childhood was abusive and to this day the effects of that abuse run deep. He’s a giant of a man with a quick temper and he’s never felt ready to trust himself in a relationship. Then Twitch walked into Brawlers and started work as a barman. That was the second thing to change the course of his life.
Twitch is small and femme and looks completely out of place working in a bar as rough as Brawlers but he can more than hold his own and he knows every drink going. He’s another one that stumbled across this group of men when his parent’s withdrew their support because he was gay. Taking away their financial support wasn’t the first time they had tried to determine how their son was going to live his life – they began that years ago when they sent him off to be abused in conversion therapy. The horrors he suffered still plague him today and he wears the scars of what that time in his life did to him. Twitch has all sorts of issues when it comes to his body and sex and he is resigned to the fact that he will never be enough for the man he wants.
It was interesting to watch this pair get together as they were so different and both were wary about a relationship. The whole Twitch and sex thing was resolved a little too easily in my opinion but it was good to see how his confidence grew and how he managed not only Crave but also Psycho and Bull. The huge and unruly men were like putty in his hands and they were all falling over themselves to make sure he was ok.
As with the books in the Twirled World Ink series Brawlers would have benefited from further proof reading and editing. I have chosen to ignore the errors and they are not reflected in my rating. I really enjoy the world and characters this author has built and I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the men at Brawlers meet the men who will eventually tame them!
Brawlers is a kind of spin off of this authors Twirled World Ink series which I read and reviewed recently. Although it’s not absolutely necessary to have read that series first I would recommend that you do as the characters and their lives are all entwined and they have built their own crazy, protective and very badass family. There is never a dull moment at Brawlers Bar – the customers are as crazy as the staff and it’s not often a night goes by without someone throwing punch and all hell breaking loose.
When Crave left home he was driven by a need to never stop running – this worked well for him until he stopped one day at Brawlers Bar and got offered a job. That was the first thing that changed the course of his life. Crave’s childhood was abusive and to this day the effects of that abuse run deep. He’s a giant of a man with a quick temper and he’s never felt ready to trust himself in a relationship. Then Twitch walked into Brawlers and started work as a barman. That was the second thing to change the course of his life.
Twitch is small and femme and looks completely out of place working in a bar as rough as Brawlers but he can more than hold his own and he knows every drink going. He’s another one that stumbled across this group of men when his parent’s withdrew their support because he was gay. Taking away their financial support wasn’t the first time they had tried to determine how their son was going to live his life – they began that years ago when they sent him off to be abused in conversion therapy. The horrors he suffered still plague him today and he wears the scars of what that time in his life did to him. Twitch has all sorts of issues when it comes to his body and sex and he is resigned to the fact that he will never be enough for the man he wants.
It was interesting to watch this pair get together as they were so different and both were wary about a relationship. The whole Twitch and sex thing was resolved a little too easily in my opinion but it was good to see how his confidence grew and how he managed not only Crave but also Psycho and Bull. The huge and unruly men were like putty in his hands and they were all falling over themselves to make sure he was ok.
As with the books in the Twirled World Ink series Brawlers would have benefited from further proof reading and editing. I have chosen to ignore the errors and they are not reflected in my rating. I really enjoy the world and characters this author has built and I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the men at Brawlers meet the men who will eventually tame them!
April 10, 2018
Ante todo, deberían avisar que es un spin-off de otra serie de libros, porque el la página 10 ya estaba tan perdida con tantos nombres que estuve a punto de claudicar.
No me hubiese perdido nada si lo hago, no me gustaron los MC y los secundarios no los entiendo mucho porque no he leído los libros anteriores, por lo cual no me interesan, y para colmo, muchas veces salen de tres en tres o cuatro en cuatro, y ahí la liamos, porque ya sé quien es quien.
La trama es muy manida, los diálogos aburridos, no profundiza en nada y te lía con tanta gente a la vez.....para mi gusto, malo
No me hubiese perdido nada si lo hago, no me gustaron los MC y los secundarios no los entiendo mucho porque no he leído los libros anteriores, por lo cual no me interesan, y para colmo, muchas veces salen de tres en tres o cuatro en cuatro, y ahí la liamos, porque ya sé quien es quien.
La trama es muy manida, los diálogos aburridos, no profundiza en nada y te lía con tanta gente a la vez.....para mi gusto, malo
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